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Daily Disciples - Feb. 24, 2011

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

How do we keep a spiritual perspective about money while living in our materialistic society? Money seems like a good thing, even spiritually speaking. How can Paul say that wealth is so uncertain but the after-life is such a thing?

Often Jesus would be speaking to someone about the eternal while they would interpret His words in the temporal. For example, when Jesus talked about the living water and the bread of life, He was speaking of spiritual elements that affect our earthly lives. But the Samaritan woman asked for the living water so she wouldn't have to return to the well, and the people asked for the bread Jesus promised because they wanted to be fed continually on earth.

Like Jesus, Paul is saying the same things in these verses above. He is trying to help us focus on eternal values by using temporal tools. Paul is saying: "Do not trust in your money to provide for your needs, but depend on God." He is explaining that we should give our earthly materials generously and willingly for God's kingdom. By keeping a spiritual perspective on earth, we are laying for ourselves a firm foundation in the life that is to come. Paul is saying to use your money on earth for the things of God. This way, God's work will continue here, while laying a firm foundation for you in the coming age.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Pray about it:Lord, help me to have a spiritual perspective towards money. Help me to be generous and willing to share. I want to lay up treasures in heaven but I need help to trust in you to provide for my needs on earth. Please increase my faith.

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.